Exercise kit

ABSTRACT

An exercise kit including an exercise mat, an exercise belt and a carrying bag—with hand grips and a foot pouch on the mat to allow a user&#39;s swinging of a leg forward and backward while lying on either the left side or right side while holding onto the hand grips with the opposite foot inserted, in aerobic exercise and/or body toning.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

NONE

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Research and development of this invention and Application have not been federally sponsored, and no rights are given under any Federal program.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

NOT APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to such fitness programs as body toning and aerobics performance, in general, and to a floor exercise mat usable in cushioning the body in carrying out such routines, in particular.

2. Description of the Related Art

As is well known and understood, full body toning is often accomplished with the assistance of gym-type equipment at a spa or fitness center—or in an exercise room devoted to such purposes. As is also understood, the more energy the exerciser exerts, the greater the overall health benefit.

Analysis of the total toning of the leg muscles has led to the realization that upon each forward leg kick, an exerciser's diaphragm moves upwardly—while each backward kick moves the diaphragm downwardly. Inhalation upon each forward leg kick, and exhalation upon each backward kick has been found to be necessary in order to keep the symmetry between the lungs and the diaphragm aligned. Moreover, the optimum health of the lungs has been found to depend upon such symmetry, and upon the health of the diaphragm. Obviously, a user cannot readily take any of the equipment along with him/her to a different location for continuing these exercise activities without undue hardship and, further analysis has shown that these same problems and limitations exist in aerobics training, where exercise mats are typically utilized.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an exercise kit which can easily be carried about to allow an exerciser a more total control of the benefit he/she can derive without the assistance of any gym-type equipment.

It is an object of the invention, also, to provide such an exercise kit which is able to maintain the symmetry between the lungs and diaphragm alignment during use.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such an exercise kit which can be sized for storage in bags, cabinets, shelves, and under a bed, for example—and for use by all, regardless of body proportions and shapes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As will become clear from the following description, the present invention consists of an exercise kit including an exercise mat, an exercise belt, and a carrying bag. The invention also encompasses the recognition that a new method of exercise can be developed for the complete toning of the body as well as for aerobics performance through the utilization of the exercise mat alone, but preferably with the exercise belt. As will be seen, this exercise consists of the user lying on the mat and holding onto hand grips there provided, while inserting one foot into a pouch on the mat and swinging the other leg. Upon completion of the exercise lying on one side, the user then repeats the exercise by turning onto the other side, holding onto additional hand grips provided, and inserting the opposite foot into the pouch, swinging the other leg. The new method exercise—termed THE LUNG PLUNGE—thus follows from the use of this exercise mat, an exercise belt to protect the lower vertebrae and lumbar-sacral area during the exercise, and the carrying bag in which the exercise mat and belt can be rolled into for convenient toting about by a provided hand or shoulder strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the present invention will be more clearly understood from a consideration of the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the components of the exercise kit in a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the front-side of the exercise mat of the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the back-side of the exercise mat of the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the inside surface of the exercise belt component of the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the outside surface of the exercise belt of the FIG. 1 kit;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the front-side of the carrying bag of the exercise kit of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the back-side of the carrying bag of the FIG. 1 kit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the exercise kit according to the present invention. The kit includes an exercise mat 100, an exercise belt 200, and a carrying bag 300. The operation of these components will become clear from the following description.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the exercise mat 100 includes a front-side 101; a plurality of hand grips 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 and 109; and a foot pouch 110. As illustrated, the hand grips 102 and 103 are located at the top, right area of the front-side 101, adjacent side edge surface 99, with the hand grips 104 and 105 being located respectively beneath them. The hand grips 106 and 107, on the other hand, are located at the top, left area of the front-side 101, adjacent side edge surface 97—with the hand grips 108 and 109 being similarly located respectively under the hand grips 106 and 107. The foot pouch 110 is located at, or near to, the bottom center of the front-side 101, adjacent edge surface 95.

In the back-side view of the exercise mat 100 shown in FIG. 3, a stabilizing mechanism 111 is positioned around the border of the mat. Such stabilizing mechanism may be one portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, collapsible rods inserted around the edge of the mat, non-slip rug pads, or adhesives—or any similar mechanism for retaining the exercise mat in place. The back-side of the mat 100 is shown at 112, and the mat may be padded or not, of any desired thickness and dimension.

To utilize the exercise mat when performing aerobics and/or body toning exercises while lying down on either the right side or left side, the user would first place the exercise mat 100 on the ground, floor or flat surface. With the user lying down on his/her left side on the front-side of the mat 101, for example, the user may utilize any of the hand grips 102, 103, 104, and 105 to stabilize the body while performing a desired exercise. The user's left foot is intended to be placed in the foot pouch 110 at such time, allowing the user to continuously swing his/her right leg forward and backward in carrying out the exercise.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, after the left side exercise has been completed, the user can then turn over to lie on his/her right side on the front-side of the mat 101. Then, with the right foot placed in the foot pouch 110, the user is able to utilize any of the hand grips 106, 107, 108 and 109 to stabilize his/her body while performing the desired exercise. Here, the-user will continuously swing the left leg forward and backward as desired.

FIG. 4, on the other hand, shows the inside surface of the exercise belt 200 of FIG. 1. The belt 200 includes a strap 201 and an appropriate fastening mechanism 202. FIG. 5, similarly, shows the outside surface of the exercise belt 200, as also including a strap 201 and a complementary fastening mechanism 203. As will be understood, the fastening mechanism 203 complements the fastening mechanism 202 so that the exercise belt 200 can be placed around the user's hip and fastened in place. As will be appreciated, the fastening mechanisms 202, 203 can come from the class of loop and hook fasteners, magnetic snaps, conventional buttons, and buckles, etc.

FIG. 6 illustrates the front-side of the carrying bag 300 of FIG. 1, as including a pocket 301, a flap 302, a fold line 303, a fastening mechanism 304, and a carrying strap 306. FIG. 7 shows the back-side of the carrying bag 300, illustrating the opposite side of the pocket 301, the flap 302, the fold line 303, and the carrying strap 306. As in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 also shows a complementary fastening mechanism 305.

To use the carrying bag 300, the exercise mat 100 and exercise belt 200 of FIG. 1 are each placed in the pocket 301—folded over first where necessary. Referring to FIG. 6, then, the pocket 301 is folded along the fold line 303 towards the opening of the pocket 301, thereby rolling up the mat. Then the flap 302 is folded such that the fastening mechanism 304 fastens with the complementary fastening mechanism 305 in closing off the pocket 301. As with the mechanisms of FIGS. 4 and 5, the fastening mechanisms of FIGS. 6 and 7 may be one of loop and hook fasteners, magnetic snaps, conventional buttons, buckles, etc.

While Applicant does not wish to be limited to any particular manufacture of the exercise mat 100, exercise belt 200, or carrying bag 300 of FIG. 1, the following have proved beneficial in one construction of the invention:

a. The exercise mat 100 may be 45″ wide×72″ long of imitation leather or semi-stretchable double knit fabric with eight hand grips 6″ long×2″ wide made of the same material. The upper hand grips 102, 103, 106 and 107 may be sewn into the mat 12″ from the top edge 93 of the mat, with the hand grips 102, 104, 106, and 108 being sewn into the side edges, or slightly inwardly therefrom as shown. The inside hand grips 103, 105, 107 and 109 may be spaced inwardly thereof 6″ measured horizontally—with the hand grips 104, 105, 108 and 109 spaced vertically some 2″ from the row above. The foot pouch 110 may be 12″ long×12″ wide sewn in at the midway point of the mat's front-side 101, extending upwardly from its lower edge 95. Such foot pouch 110 may be composed of a double layer leather or double knit cotton construction.

b. The exercise belt 200 of FIG. 1 may be of 30″, double bound 3″ wide elastic, with 6″ long VELCRO fastening mechanisms 202 and 203, also some 3″ wide. Selected of an elastic composition, the belt 200 provides the flexibility and stability necessary to protect the lumbar-sacral vertebral area when worn. The fastening mechanisms 202, 203 are sewn some 0.5″ away from the opposing ends to assist the user in holding onto the belt 200 while placing it around the lumbar-sacral area.

c. The carrying bag 300 of FIG. 1 is of a 12″ length×12″ width when open (i.e., rolled out flat) along with a 12″ carrying strap 306. The fastening mechanisms 304 and 305 are likewise 12″ in length, and of a 2″ width. The flap 302 and the fold line 303 are positioned to create 3 sections 4″ wide each so that when everything is folded over and rolled, a bag some 12″ in length and of 15″ circumference is formed. As with the mat 100 and with the belt 200, the bag 300 may be composed of imitation leather. With a 12″ length for the strap 306, the bag 300 could then be used as a hand held carrier for the exercise mat and for the belt. With a longer strap 306—as, for example, 35″—, the strap 306 could be utilized for a shoulder-type carrying. In either event, the bag 300 could then be taken anywhere by the user—to a gym, to a school, to an office, etc., or just stored away.

In this preferred embodiment of the invention, while four hand grips on the right upper-side and four hand grips on the left upper-side, it will be apparent that other numbers of grips and other alignments of them may be employed in carrying out the body toning and aerobics exercise. Each such hand grip may be placed flatly on the mat, and quadruple-stitched into place. Different sized mats may be employed for users of differing dimensionings and shape—such as by being available in “small”, “medium”, “large” and “extra large” sizes. Similarly, the hand grip dimensions, like those of the foot pouch may be varied, with the foot pouch also being attachable to the mat by quadruple stitching. In carrying out the new exercise method of the invention, one would kick that leg which is not stabilized by the foot pouch forward and back anywhere from 20 to 50 times according to his/her level of practice and muscular strength, while continuing to hold onto that one hand grip dictated for comfort. For a right leg kick, for example, the right hand might grasp hand grip 105 with the left hand grasping hand grip 103, for example, while for a left leg kick, the left hand might grasp hand grip 109 and the right hand grasp hand grip 107.

While there have been described what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the teachings herein. For example, whereas the exercise mat of the invention has been described with two pairs of hand grips at its top, right area and at its top, left area, it will be noted that other pairs or trios of hand grips may be used, and/or at different locations—even with just a single hand grip adjacent to each edge of the mat—and the exercise method of the invention still able to be carried out. For at least such reason, therefore, resort should be had to the claims appended hereto for a true understanding of the scope of the invention. 

1. Body toning and aerobic exercise apparatus comprising: an exercise mat of given thickness having a front-side and a back-side; a foot pouch on a lower area portion of said front-side of said mat; at least one hand grip adjacent a right edge of said front-side of said mat; at least one hand grip adjacent a left edge of said front-side of said mat; and means on said back-side of said mat for stabilizing said mat in position when said mat is placed on one of a ground, floor and flat surface.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said foot pouch is adjacent a bottom edge of said front-side of said mat.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hand grips are positioned on an upper area portion of said front-side of said mat.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, including two hand grips adjacent a right edge of said front-side of said mat and two hand grips adjacent a left edge of said front-side of said mat.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, including two pairs of horizontally and vertically spaced hand grips adjacent said right edge of said front-side of said mat and two pairs of horizontally and vertically spaced hand grips adjacent said left edge of said front-side of said mat.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said foot pouch and said hand grips are sewn onto said front-side of said mat.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said foot pouch is constructed of the same material as said exercise mat.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said hand grips are constructed of the same material as said exercise mat.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said foot pouch and said hand grips are constructed of the same material as said exercise mat.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said exercise mat is constructed of foldable fabric.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said exercise mat is constructed of foldable, rollable fabric.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said exercise mat is constructed of one of semi-stretchable double knit and imitation leather fabric. 